In NYC, Nago mayor reiterates opposition to base

NEW YORK – The mayor of Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, repeated his opposition Saturday in New York to the plan for moving U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to his town.

The plan would move the base northward from densely populated Ginowan to an offshore area in Nago.

“It would constitute a denial of democracy and an infringement of human rights if the relocation plan is forced through,” because many Okinawa residents oppose the relocation plan, Susumu Inamine told a gathering in New York.

In front of an audience of around 60, the mayor said Okinawa has been forced to host U.S. military bases since the end of World War II.

During his second visit to the United States as mayor, Inamine was also scheduled to meet with members of Congress in Washington.

Last December, Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima authorized landfill work needed for the move. Inamine was re-elected the next month on a platform opposing the long-stalled relocation plan.